Dile Is Dangerious

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Dile is Dangerious" by Priyam, based on the provided pages:

The book "Dile is Dangerious" (Delay is Dangerous) by Priyam, published by Ashapuran Parshwanath Jain Gyanbhandar, emphasizes the critical importance of timely action, particularly in spiritual and religious pursuits. The core message is that procrastination, or "delay," is detrimental and can lead to missed opportunities and severe negative consequences.

The book opens with a Sanskrit shloka about the swiftness of a lamp's flame and a Gujarati slogan: "Abhi Nahin, Toh Kabhi Nahin" (If not now, then never), reinforcing the central theme. It highlights that the desire for good deeds should be fulfilled promptly.

Key Themes and Narratives:

• The Story of Maharaja Bahubali: The text uses the narrative of Maharaja Bahubali to illustrate the dangers of delay.

  • Maharaja Bahubali is informed that his father, Rajarishi Rishabh, has arrived and is meditating in the city gardens. Overjoyed and filled with devotion, Bahubali decides to go and see him the next morning.
  • He spends the night in preparation, ordering the city to be decorated and making grand arrangements for the following day.
  • The next morning, accompanied by a massive procession, Bahubali eagerly goes to the gardens to see his father.
  • However, upon arrival, the gardener informs him that Rishabh had already departed shortly after sunset the previous evening, guided by his footprints.
  • Bahubali is devastated, realizing that his decision to wait until the next morning cost him the opportunity to see his revered father. He laments his misfortune and the foolishness of his delay, understanding that the night could have been more splendid if he had acted immediately. The entire city weeps with him.

• The Core Message of Delay:

  • Bahubali's experience serves as a stark example of how delay, even for a seemingly short period, can lead to the loss of invaluable spiritual opportunities.
  • The text equates delay with ignorance or false knowledge, asserting that promising to do something later is often based on an unfounded belief in future control, which is not guaranteed.
  • Delay is presented as inviting obstacles and indicating a lack of respect or priority for the task at hand.
  • The book draws a parallel between a child wanting to play before studying and adults delaying spiritual practices; the former chooses immediate gratification, indicating their priority.

• Dharma vs. Adharma (Good Deeds vs. Wrongdoing):

  • The book makes a clear distinction: delaying sinful actions is good, but delaying virtuous or spiritual actions (Saukṛta) is bad and dangerous.
  • Delaying religious opportunities can lead to the soul sinking back into the cycle of rebirth (Bhavasagar).

• The Power of Enthusiasm and Effort (Purushartha):

  • The text emphasizes that "Utsaha" (enthusiasm) is the greatest strength, more powerful than astrological influences or auspicious timings.
  • Enthusiasm and prompt action can overcome obstacles and lead to swift and pure attainment of goals.
  • The six qualities—effort, courage, patience, intelligence, strength, and valor—attract divine favor.
  • The book stresses that our fate is not solely determined by destiny but by our own efforts.

• The Nature of Delay:

  • Delay is described as an insult or disrespect to the task, often stemming from a preference for other activities.
  • It can lead to the binding of specific negative karmas, such as "Charitra Mohaniya Karma" when delaying spiritual conduct, creating internal obstacles that attract external ones.
  • The concept of "Nikachit Karma" (karma that is destined and difficult to break) is discussed, but the book argues that often, our own indolence strengthens karma, creating a vicious cycle of delay and further obstacles.
  • The alternative is presented as a virtuous cycle: enthusiasm, no delay, karma reduction, and obstacle destruction.

• Examples and Analogies:

  • The Train Analogy: The book uses the analogy of a departing train. Waiting to board makes the task progressively harder, from simple boarding to struggling through crowds, and eventually, to impossibility once the train has left. This illustrates how delaying a task makes it more difficult or impossible.
  • The Snake and Rope Analogy: A snake with its fangs removed is like a rope, but if it coils around your neck, it becomes dangerous. Similarly, a delay, if not addressed, can become a significant obstacle.
  • The Dewdrop Analogy: Human life is compared to a dewdrop hanging precariously on a blade of grass, vulnerable to being blown away by the slightest breeze. This highlights the transient nature of life and the need for prompt action.
  • The Bomb Analogy: If a bomb were placed in one's house, one would act immediately without delay, regardless of the inconvenience. The seriousness of spiritual pursuits should evoke a similar urgency.

• The Importance of "Today":

  • The book strongly advocates for acting today ("Aj").
  • It presents the story of two sons who seek permission for renunciation, and despite their father's attempts to delay them, they emphasize the urgency of acting now, as time lost is never regained. The father eventually agrees and joins them in renunciation, along with the mother and the king and queen, leading to their liberation in the same life.
  • The proverb "What is done is done; what is to be done is to be done" is cited, emphasizing that actions completed are valuable, while what is yet to be done has a high probability of remaining unfinished due to delay.

• The Nature of Time and Opportunity:

  • Time is defined as life and non-life (Jiva and Ajiva).
  • When one says "time is bad," it refers to the circumstances, but the underlying truth is that we are wasting our own essence by delaying.
  • Opportunities for spiritual growth are rare and fleeting, like flashes of lightning. Delaying means missing these precious moments and potentially returning to darkness.

• The Great Sickness of Samsara:

  • The text describes "Samsara" (the cycle of birth and death) as the ultimate disease, far worse than physical ailments like cancer.
  • The cure for Samsara is the "Ratnatrayi" (Three Jewels: Right Faith, Right Knowledge, Right Conduct).
  • A fervent desire and urgent pursuit of this cure are necessary. Delaying this pursuit is likened to ignoring a critical illness.

• The Final Message:

  • The book concludes by reiterating that delay is dangerous. It urges readers to listen to the divine call, trust in the path, and abandon all delays.
  • It emphasizes that true understanding comes from acting on spiritual opportunities promptly, as procrastination can lead to regrets and the loss of immense spiritual merit.
  • The author humbly requests forgiveness for any perceived errors, acknowledging that while situations demanding delay might exist under specific guidance from a Guru, generally, immediate action is paramount.

In essence, "Dile is Dangerious" is a powerful Jain treatise advocating for immediate action in spiritual endeavors, using compelling narratives, analogies, and scriptural references to highlight the profound and often irreversible negative consequences of procrastination.